While conditions can change significantly in a few days, current indications are for clear sky, high in the mid 90s, humidity around 25%. Normal patterns of air movement. (Calm at dawn, growing less calm as the day progresses.) UV index still extremely high!

While there may be rainfall in the next few days, there will probably not be enough to cause problems. There should be some warm, low humidity, days to dry things out. It will likely not even be enough to settle the dust on launch day.

Further bulletins as my crystal ball comes into sharper focus, so watch for updates…

]]>http://rocstock.org/2015/07/30/long-range-weather-prediction-for-august-8-launch/feed/0davew6dpsYou May want to stock up at the July and August Launches!http://rocstock.org/2015/07/09/you-may-want-to-stock-up-at-the-july-and-august-launches/
http://rocstock.org/2015/07/09/you-may-want-to-stock-up-at-the-july-and-august-launches/#commentsFri, 10 Jul 2015 01:08:28 +0000http://rocstock.org/?p=14216]]>Bay Area Rocketry has informed us that they have other commitments that conflict with the September Launch.

If you plan to fly high power at the September launch with motors or other items from Bay Area Rocketry, you should stock up at the July and August launches.

As you may have heard by now, ROC has been selected to host LDRS35 in June of 2016! The flying days are June 8th through June 12th, 2016.

In order to try to keep the planning and coordination of a national event from impacting the club’s operations, we’d like to get our Executive Committee together so that our current BoD doesn’t have to do all the work for this event. To that end, we’re soliciting for volunteers to fill positions instead of the BoD taking all of the work.

In addition to the specific responsibilities outlined below, each coordinator should be ready to give two hours a month to a coordination telephone meeting and must be able to attend the entire LDRS launch (Weds – Sun). If you don’t want to take the lead, but are willing to help in one of the areas below, don’t hesitate to volunteer now…many hands make light work.

Works with other Coordinators to ensure a safe launch. Understands the California and Tripoli safety requirements for the launch and works with the Range Coordinator to make sure that we’ve setup the range in a safe manner. Meets daily during the launch with the volunteer RSO’s to ensure that everyone knows what their job is. Final responsibility for approving “odd rocs”. Coordinates with the local authorities to make sure that they are aware of our event and completes any required notifications or coordination. Sets up the First Aid capabilities of the on-site launch including ordering necessary First Aid supplies.

Registration Coordinator:

Works with other Coordinators to register participants in the event. Works with the Website Coordinator to execute on-line registrations. Creates the “Registration Packet” for registrants including informational flyers, flyer pass, wristbands, etc… Solicits volunteers to staff the on-site registration table during the launch. Most of the work is prior to the launch.

On-Site Sales & Merchandise Coordinator:

Develops the LDRS35 T-Shirt design and related merchandise. With the Executive committed, develops an order list of items to be purchased for re-sale and places the orders, accepts delivery, and organizes the sale of items during the launch. Solicits volunteers to staff the sales table during the launch. Most of the work is prior to the launch.

Certification Coordinator:

Coordinates the on-site certification attempts for both Tripoli and NAR. Works with the Tripoli Prefect to witness Tripoli certifications. Develops a list of NAR certification witnesses for NAR certifications. Administers tests on-site for L2. Coordinates on-site TAPs for any of their needs. Coordinates with motor vendors if there are any certification motor specials.

Host Hotel / Banquet Coordinator:

Coordinates the Host Hotel and other nearby hotel discounts. Works with the Sundowner Ranch (Maryann) to coordinate the Banquet and Tripoli Annual Meeting. Coordinates with the TRA BoD Representative to ensure that they have everything necessary for their meetings. Develops budget, plans menu, obtains caterer (coordinated with Sundowner), and executes the Banquet. Works with the Event Director to host the Banquet Speaker.

Volunteer Coordinator:

Coordinates with the Executive Committee to get volunteers to help staff the various tables, setup, tear-down, and execution of the launch. Creates and orders volunteer “swag” for the volunteers. Maintains the snack and water provisions for the volunteers. Works with the Web Coordinator to develop the on-line signup for volunteers.

Media Coordinator:

Works with credentialing media and handling media requests. Issues Press Releases on behalf of ROC and the LDRS35 Committee. Works on-site with media approvals for “on the range” access.

Agencies Coordinator:

Works with BLM, the FAA, and the CA OSFM to obtain all the required permits and waivers for the event. This position will have substantial support from the current ROC BoD since we have a lot of experience in this area, so it’s a great way to learn and help us out with some paperwork.

LDRS is a great opportunity for ROC to continue to provide our great support to our members. In addition to providing the prestige of a national event and exposure throughout our region, we end up with funds for the club that helps us defray our long-term capital expenses like equipment, trailers, storage containers, etc… ROC is recognized all over the country as a great club to be in and that’s all due to the efforts of our volunteers. Step up to join that cadre of folks that really are on the inside and make things happen. Volunteer today!

]]>http://rocstock.org/2015/07/06/ldrs35-call-for-executive-committee-members/feed/0allenfarringtonHappy 4th! The July Launch is next Saturday, the 11th.http://rocstock.org/2015/07/04/happy-4th-the-july-launch-is-next-saturday-the-11th/
http://rocstock.org/2015/07/04/happy-4th-the-july-launch-is-next-saturday-the-11th/#commentsSat, 04 Jul 2015 16:02:41 +0000http://rocstock.org/?p=14201]]>Happy 4th of July!

Weather for next Saturday’s launch is looking good!

The high should be about 95°F with 25% humidity.

It should be close to calm in the morning, with a breeze picking up late morning and strengthening in the afternoon.

The UV index will be extremely high! Please remember sunblock, a hat, and portable shade if you have any!

As always in the desert, please plan to stay hydrated and be very watchful of children and pets.

Hope to see you next week, so have a safe holiday!

]]>http://rocstock.org/2015/07/04/happy-4th-the-july-launch-is-next-saturday-the-11th/feed/0davew6dpsROC to Host LDRS 35http://rocstock.org/2015/06/28/roc-to-host-ldrs-35/
http://rocstock.org/2015/06/28/roc-to-host-ldrs-35/#commentsSun, 28 Jun 2015 12:47:52 +0000http://rocstock.org/?p=14179]]>It was announced at the LDRS 34 Tripoli banquet that the Rocketry Organization of California will be hosting LDRS 35.

Mark your calendar for June 8 to 12, 2016! The actual launch dates and schedule are still being worked out, but is expected to be during that week. Launch activities will be at our normal Lucerne Valley launch site.

Based on experience hosting previous large national launches, including LDRS, we will be looking for additional help with a variety of activities.

Major thanks to Allen Farrington for spearheading our bid proposal!

More information will be published as things develop.

]]>http://rocstock.org/2015/06/28/roc-to-host-ldrs-35/feed/1davew6dpsPlease Check Out Our New Member Portal!http://rocstock.org/2015/06/24/please-check-out-our-new-member-portal/
http://rocstock.org/2015/06/24/please-check-out-our-new-member-portal/#commentsWed, 24 Jun 2015 22:02:36 +0000http://rocstock.org/?p=14175]]>Please check out our new member portal and update your information!

You can find the new member page here. It is also the first item on the “Join” pull-down menu above.

We have started using new membership software and this website to manage the club. Each member profile has areas for contact information and the ways you are willing and able to help out.

This is the way we will be signing up new members, and tracking everyone going forward.

Of course, any information entered will be used only for club purposes, and not shared with anyone else. You can determine if any of your contact information will be shared with other members who log in.

]]>http://rocstock.org/2015/06/24/please-check-out-our-new-member-portal/feed/0davew6dpsStart Thinking About 2015 Board Electionshttp://rocstock.org/2015/06/24/start-thinking-about-2015-board-elections/
http://rocstock.org/2015/06/24/start-thinking-about-2015-board-elections/#commentsWed, 24 Jun 2015 21:55:03 +0000http://rocstock.org/?p=14165]]>It is time again to start thinking about the Board of Directors election for 2015. Three positions will be up this year.

Executive members are eligible to run for the Board, and vote in the election.

More details on how to self nominate will be available soon. If you have thought about getting more directly involved in club operations, this is a way to make a major contribution.

The normal wind pattern this time of year is calming around dawn, fairly calm in the early mornings, and then picking up in afternoon, evening, and into the night. If you have a high altitude or complex flight, try to launch as early as the range opens!

We should have a very clear and sunny sky, with a lot of direct ultraviolet. Hats, long sleeves and long pants, with sunscreen on any exposed skin will be very important.
Sunscreen is a definite requirement! Dehydration will be a significant potential hazard, so bring and drink plenty of water and sports drinks.
Caffeine and carbonation can accelerate dehydration and are not recommended, unless you absolutely need the caffeine to prevent withdrawals and act human. Then the minimum required dosage is okay.

Thursday, June 11 (for set up): High of 90° F, Humidity 37%, UV 10 out of 10, Normal wind patterns, afternoon West at 10 to 15 mph
Thursday Night: Low of 63°, overnight west winds at 10 to 15 mph

Friday, June 12: High of 94°F 33% humidity, UV 10 out of 10, Normal wind patterns, afternoon West at 10 to 15 mph
Friday Night:Low of 65°, overnight WSW winds at 10 to 20 mph

Sunday, June 14: High of 100°, 20% humidity, UV 10 out of 10, Normal Wind patterns, afternoon WSW at 10 to 20 mph

]]>http://rocstock.org/2015/06/02/lucerne-valley-long-range-weather-forecast-for-rocstock-41/feed/0davew6dpsMay 2015 Launch Reporthttp://rocstock.org/2015/05/18/may-2015-launch-report/
http://rocstock.org/2015/05/18/may-2015-launch-report/#commentsMon, 18 May 2015 21:37:07 +0000http://rocstock.org/?p=14125]]>Despite dire predictions (and some handwringing), the weather was fair with mostly clear skies and a mild breeze throughout the day – great launching weather! Light crowds made for little to no waiting for pads. Maybe everyone who wasn’t there was waiting for ROCStock next month? Lots of great flights, some “less than optimal” flights (sorry YAM, we’ll miss you at the ROCStock Magnum drag races), some cert attempts (second time’s a charm for George), and even a Tripoli altitude record attempt (unfortunately, the second stage covered almost as much distance horizontally as it did vertically).

Improvements to the club’s infrastructure are really paying off. The wireless microphone system, along with mounting the PA speakers on the equipment trailer, minimize setup and teardown time at the range head. The organization of storage in the equipment trailer makes unloading and loading a breeze – as they say, a place for everything, and everything in its place. The not-so-new-anymore small trailer is easy to hook up and tow. Thanks to those that step up and haul it back and forth each month.

While it’s nice to have great equipment, it doesn’t get that way, nor stay that way, without a little TLC. It’s pretty disappointing to see the same few people at the Equipment Maintenance parties, like the one held the day after the launch. However, those who did show up were able to get everything shipshape for ROCStock XLI (41!) next month. See you then!